Preview

IN CONVERSATION WITH LIZ SUNSHINE

Culture

In celebration of our arrival in Melbourne, we explore the meaning of local community - the true heart of the beloved city.

In celebration of our arrival in Melbourne, we explore the meaning of local community - the true heart of the beloved city.

Through the inspiring eyes of some of Melbourne’s creatives, we discover much-loved eateries, secret nooks, and small brands doing incredible things.



Liz Sunshine is a familiar face in the neighbourhood, often seen highlighting interesting people and beautiful spaces through her unique lens, documenting the best of Australian fashion and art. Welcoming the time to slow down brought on by the pandemic, Liz shares her love for Melbourne’s best eateries, galleries and the place she calls home.



Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got here?A: I’m a Melbourne based photographer, and I got here by being one of the first Australians to photograph street fashion - a category of photography that celebrates how people dress everyday, not only at fashion weeks.

What do you love most about living in Melbourne?

A: Probably the accessibility to international art exhibitions at the NGV, abundance of wonderful local labels, and of course, the food.

Which Australian creative are you particularly coveting at the moment, and what inspires you about their work?

A: Immediately I think of the work of Violet Grace, an influencer, but she has a particular signature to her images that I really enjoy. Otherwise I mostly love people who do things, artists etc. and then follow along for their personal style as well, think Gabrielle Penfold.

Where do you source inspiration, and how does this affect your creative process?

A: Most of my inspiration comes from research. I love old books, art galleries, and meeting new people.

What is your favourite way to unwind and relax?

A: I don’t really watch TV, so I spend most of my free time in the garden, painting something or cooking for my family. As someone who loves my job, initially I really didn’t place importance on switching off, but I have realised in the last 12 months that I’m a better creative when I give myself space from my work. I also love spending time with my family - right now that tends to be at the skate park or the library.

How are you trying to curate a more considered wardrobe?

A: This is a constant process. I like to do a major clean out at the end of each season, but I also like to keep a box for donations in my wardrobe. If I come across something that doesn’t suit me, is irreparable, or no longer my style, I’ll donate it to my friends first, then the Salvos second.

What are your tips for those wanting to embark on a more sustainable lifestyle?

A: Slow down. Research more. Learn more. Buy less. Spend less. Need less. Waste less… this is a note I wrote to myself a while ago and is now the screen saver on my phone. I think when it comes down to it, often we buy things for quick satisfaction, but really we can find that satisfaction in other ways. Define things that make you happy and do more of these.

What is your signature dish or drink?

A: Margarita. But really my husband makes these and I drink them.

What do you hope the remainder of 2021 brings?

A: I’m enjoying the mental space that these little lock downs bring. Now that I have hobbies I know exactly what to do if I’m not working. I’m also working towards a major personal project and am dedicating more time to planning this.

YOUR LOCAL:

Favourite cafe?
Gilson


Favourite restaurant?
France Soir

Favourite space?
NGV and the design store. Also CCP. Est Studios.

Favourite thing to do in Melbourne?
Lazy lunch followed by an art gallery

Most-loved local eatery or business?
There are so many, Shibui. Texas Nails. Willow Urban. Flowers Vassette. Walkens House of film. Cibi.

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MATARIKI / LOOK BACK / LOOK FORWARD

CULTURE

Matariki, the time to cast our eyes to the stars, to gaze back and honour those we have lost, to look forward to what the new year brings.

Hone Tūwhare / 
Image: Reg Graham
Hone Tūwhare / 
Image: Reg Graham

A printed ribbon extends, words reaching from the past, and unfurling into the future, providing inspiration and reflection on homegrown perspectives. Our love of creativity, and our reverence for artists, has led to a collaboration with some of Aotearoa’s brightest lights, and, as we approach the new year, we return to their celebrated works, works we are honoured they have shared with us.

Iconic poet & writer, Hone Tūwhare (Ngāpuhi), left an indelible mark on the literary landscape of Aotearoa, his works distinctive in the way they moved between formal and informal, between humour and pathos. When he passed in 2008, Hone Tūwhare had been lauded both at home and on the international stage, having established himself as the people’s poet, his tireless touring and encouragement of others having planted countless seeds of creativity in his wake.

"Ka koukou te rūrū. Ka harakuku ka tute ngā rākau i a rātou ake ka kawea atu e ngā whetū te marama hauwarea rara-kotahi..."

Ruby Solly (Kai Tahu, Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe) is a not only a musician and practitioner of taonga pūoro, but an accomplished poet. Her first book of poetry, Tōku Pāpā, has been described as a map of survival for Māori growing up outside their papakāinga. Tōku Pāpā was longlisted for the Mary and Peter Biggs Award for Poetry at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards in 2021. Currently, Ruby is completing a PhD in public health, focusing on the use of taonga pūoro in hauora Māori.

"The creaking of ancient trees that predate their maker; they are only the thought of trees, the potential of growth."

Ruby Solly
 / Image: Ebony Lamb
Ruby Solly
 / Image: Ebony Lamb

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THE INNOVATION STATION…

Materials

At Deadly Ponies we are constantly improving our pieces, striving for the quality and innovation that you, our loyal customer, deserves.

At Deadly Ponies we are constantly improving our pieces, striving for the quality and innovation that you, our loyal customer, deserves. 

As we develop our designs and select materials, we want to keep you well-informed of the whats and the whys…

Recently we have changed all our products’ zips to SKA Italia-designed zips, selected for the high level of customisation we require of our handy fasteners, meaning our signature bag colours have compatible hardware and zip tape. The four-point autolock slider (the thing that keeps the slider in place when you’re not pulling it), is the same style as the YKK zips you will be familiar with, and is durable and long-lasting.

REACH standard cotton herringbone lining is a new addition to our wallets, a lighter-weight cotton to that which we use in our bags. This results in a more streamlined product, and avoids the inevitable inner stretch that a leather-lined wallet suffers over time.

We’ve come full circle on this, returning to our earliest wallet construction, with improved quality and ethical materials.

A Deadly Ponies piece is magnetic, but we’ve taken it literally, adding magnetic closures to styles that previously relied on zips or domes for security, elevating the ease of wear.

We continue to look for ways to enhance our pieces, and are currently working on sourcing stronger magnets for our Poucheroo to improve functionality.

Watch this space for more…

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HELLO MELBOURNE

Culture

Deadly Ponies rides into Armadale, opening our very first Australian home.

Deadly Ponies rides into Armadale, opening our very first Australian home.

Walking through the entrance of the brightly illuminated interior, the stand-out feature, a stainless steel mesh curtain, gently filters sunlight into the space, creating a serene glow in our first Australian store. Concepted with internationally renowned interior designer, Katie Lockhart - who has previously worked on numerous projects with us, including our Britomart and Ponsonby stores, our new Melbourne space references the intricate interior handwriting of Deadly Ponies with a point of difference.

Inspired by Charles Rennie MackIntosh's historical Hill House - currently enveloped in a protective mesh cage; the space is a home at the very heart, while conflating elements of more modern architecture. Collector’s items are scattered throughout the store, a signature of every Deadly Ponies space, feeling like an extension of our Co-Founders, Steve Boyd and Liam Bowden’s own home.

“We’ve curated vintage finds that reflect our personality. A favourite of mine is a pewter, art-nouveau vase which compliments our mesh curtain, highlighting the subtle metallic shades throughout” says Liam Bowden.

Alongside the collectible curiosities, iconic furniture pieces are scattered across the store; handmade from makers across the 20th century. While each item holds intrigue, notable pieces include a Paul Evans’ lamp from 1970's Berlin, and a black, Italian Bentwood chair from 1980. We also celebrate the work of indigenous Australian artist Alec Pula Lewis, showcasing his painting, View of Country, 2019, which explores the layered landscape of Central Australia.

Our signature new season pieces fit seamlessly amongst the collector items and art, displayed on wood-turned plinths within our Armadale store, exploring movement for the first time in our windows. Natural materials of oak, marble and stainless steel create a light, reflective space, one that we hope you will wish to visit time and time again.

Deadly Ponies Armadale can be found at 1071 High Street, Armadale, Melbourne.

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DISCOVER OUR NEW NEWMARKET HOME

Culture

We’ve grown, we’ve moved and we’re excited to share.

We’ve grown, we’ve moved and we’re excited to share.

As the second space in our stable of five stores, Newmarket has received a complete refresh, moving into a new, spacious store at 26 Osborne Street; fitting of our growth in the area over the past six years.

Our sumptuous new interior has drawn inspiration from our fresh Armadale (Melbourne) fit-out, rendering a seamless canvas in oak, marble and stainless steel mesh for a living archive of captivating and inspirational artworks, including a warm, burnt orange canvas by artist Oliver Perkins. Eclectic collectors of vintage items and artworks, each store is an extension of our Founders and Directors, Steven Boyd and Liam Bowden’s ethos - a living archive of pieces that captivate and inspire the duo.

The new store also homes our Voyage collection, a first in the Newmarket store. “We are really excited to bring Voyage to our Newmarket customer, and can’t wait to finally share our new collection in-store. Our new season explores intricate materials, not unlike our Newmarket store, and is my favourite Voyage collection to date” says Liam Bowden.

We look forward to welcoming you.

26 Osborne Street, Newmarket, Auckland

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DEADLY PONIES HITS WELLINGTON

Culture

The stunning Ghuznee Street store is a fitting tribute to the Wellington customer.

After more than a decade making Australasia’s premium leather goods, we are thrilled to be finally opening our doors in Wellington, expanding the availability of our entire collection in our country’s capital.

It is our fourth New Zealand store joining our two Auckland stores and one Christchurch store. Each space conveys a similar theme through the use of Brancusi-inspired installations in a range of natural and fabricated materials. The creative direction for the store was to glow warmth on a cold, windy Wellington night, and it really is the perfect place to escape the elements.

Working with renowned interior designer Katie Lockhart, the stunning Ghuznee Street store is a fitting tribute to the Wellington customer who has waited a long time to see the double-headed horse grace their city. To thank them for their patience, we have an exclusive Wellington bag that has been created especially, Mr Stitcher Fur.

If you are a Wellington local, we can’t wait to welcome you in store.

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LIFE LINES // DEADLY PONIES & POETRY

Culture

Standing on the precipice of an artificial age, we look to living, breathing artists, to light our way, to articulate movement and wonder, to tether us to humanity.

Standing on the precipice of an artificial age, we look to living, breathing artists, to light our way, to articulate movement and wonder, to tether us to humanity.

Our tradition, now in its third year, of printing poetry on ribbons to adorn your chosen pieces, celebrates and honours poets whose works speak directly to and of life, offering a moment to pause and reflect.

Helping us to bring our love of art to you - our dear Deadly Ponies patrons - are outstanding New Zealand Poets Chris Tse, James Norcliffe and Ruby Solly, who provide words of tension, release, need and awe, words to grace your future keepsakes, to be treasured for years to come.

Current NZ poet Laureate, Chris Tse writes poetry, short fiction, and non- fiction. Widely-published, Tse frequently makes best-of lists, and his most recent collection, Super Model Minority, was long listed for the Mary and Peter Biggs Award for Poetry at the 2023 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards.

"when asked to explain the lines that lead to now, you describe / the shape of your body as it hits water / the shape of cold water shocking muscle / the shape of fleshy chambers forced to loosen"
James Norcliffe, Ruby Solly and Chris Tse
James Norcliffe, Ruby Solly and Chris Tse

Novelist James Norcliffe, who also writes short stories and poetry, and works as a teacher, was awarded the Margaret Mahy Medal in 2023 for his contributions to children’s literature. Alongside his own published works, his writing has appeared in many publications, and in 2022 his poetry won him the Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement.

"The cat was a bruiser, a street fighter, a prowler howling and yowling in the night."
"The creaking of ancient trees that predate their maker; they are only the thought of trees, the potential of growth"

Alongside her lauded career as a writer, Ruby Solly (Kai Tahu, Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe) is a musician and practitioner of taonga pūoro. Her first book of poetry, Tōku Pāpā, was longlisted for the Mary and Peter Biggs Award for Poetry at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards in 2021. Currently, she is completing a PhD in public health, focusing on the use of taonga pūoro in hauora Māori.

We are honoured to incorporate the words of such esteemed writers into our own tradition, and we hope your unfurling ribbons lead you to discover more of these poets’ inspiring works.

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IN CONVERSATION WITH JIORDY

Culture

This Mother's Day we celebrate Jiordy, a sensational, inspirational, dare-we-say-it... cool mum.

This Mother's Day (alongside our own dear matriarchs), we celebrate Jiordy, a sensational, inspirational, dare-we-say-it... cool mum.

With her beguiling musical projects, her inimitable style & her refreshingly candid posts about motherhood, let’s be honest - could the moniker be any more apt?

Having partnered with Jiordy on previous occasions, we’ve been delighted to team up with her again, for an exploration of our rich winter hue, plum, which makes its Mother's Day debut.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, how did you get where you are today?

I’m Jiordy. A mum, musician & UX designer from Naarm. My son, Kit, is 14 months old and I guess since he was born I’ve had to rethink how to answer that question. Everything about me is different and yet simultaneously, nothing has changed. Since becoming a mum, I’ve hit the pause button on a lot of things, people, and ventures and only now am I feeling that creative burn, passion, and vigour. I gave myself/us space and time and I’ll be forever grateful for that. I’m more inspired than I’ve ever been and I owe it all to my son’s birth; my rebirth.

Where do you source inspiration, and how does this affect your creative process?

I collect inspiration from travels, books, people, experiences, love, cooking, crafts, my husband, my son, our dog, my garden, family, my anxiety! I am naturally quite an inspired person and am forever being pulled in so many directions. That innate universal pull and being so aware of it is one of the things I love most about myself but it can sometimes strain the creative process because the excitement I feel for so many things can mean I’m confused about where to put my energy. Working through that is always challenging, especially for my anxious soul, but so rewarding once I’ve landed on the right path. Once I’ve found the thing, I love the thing and I do the thing, at 110%.

What's your favourite thing about being a mother and how does it influence your creative work?

The complete vulnerability and surrender, the fierce love, the unconditional adoration. It’s immense and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The first year after having Kit, for me at least, was about survival. Everything was new, scary and exciting. Navigating our new role as parents was hard but blissful. It completely forced me into the present, to move slow, to be okay with being a little messy. I was putting a lot of pressure on myself at the start because I didn’t have any energy to focus on my creative work. However, after a while I just accepted it and knew that eventually when the timing was right I would find it again. Now, he is my biggest inspiration. I want to show him what it truly means to do what you love and have fun every day.

How has becoming a mother changed your perspective on creativity and artistic expression?

My source of artistic expression is deeper and I guess in a way I’m now looking for the meaning of the creation more, rather than just doing it.

How do you juggle a work/ life balance?

I don’t, there is no balance for me. I am okay with things not being 50:50. I think that’s the magic of it. I have found what works for us and I adapt every day. It’s chaotic, but fun.

What are your tips for those wanting to embark on a more sustainable lifestyle?

Educate yourself on the ways you can improve and what works for you. It’s about trying your best and feeling good about your choices. For us, it’s about where we buy our food, growing our own vegetables, recycling, composting, buying clothes from ethical and sustainable places, re-using and aiming towards zero food waste. Simple things like trying to finish what is in your fridge and being creative with recipes before doing your next shop. Sustainability costs more but if done right should eventually cost you less.

How are you trying to curate a more considered wardrobe? Has your wardrobe changed since becoming a mother?

I buy things that I love and that I will love for a lifetime. Quality and sustainability over quantity - always! I rotate my wardrobe depending on the season and only really buy something new when I need it. I also regularly reorganise my wardrobe to make sure nothing is tucked away in a corner. When I was pregnant, I didn’t buy a lot. I got some good quality drawstring pants and stretchy knitted pants that would grow with my belly and a few stretchy dresses that I could wear postpartum too. I was due in February (it was hot) so I ended up wearing my belly out with an open shirt and crop most of the time.

What is your favourite way to unwind and relax?

Daily high intensity exercise is a key way I unwind, I bring Kit most mornings and he (usually) loves sitting and watching while I get a workout in. To relax I cook, journal, listen to music and go for slow long walks somewhere quiet.

What is your favourite bag from our latest Deadly Ponies collection?

Practicality is key for me at the moment, especially with Kit wanting to walk around and explore the world. So my favourite is the side body Mr Cinch Pouch in plum.

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INTRODUCING WINTER '23

Collection

Francis Bacon-inspired pieces bring an unexpected solace, diving deeper into the renowned artist’s work, experimenting with a rich and textural palette.

As the colour fades from the natural world, the days get shorter and the air gets cooler, cosy up by the fire and look to Deadly Ponies for an enlivening dose of hue & texture.

Mr Maximese Lilypad
Mr Maximese Lilypad
Crush Tote Mini Lilypad
Crush Tote Mini Lilypad
Francis Bacon, Wool Rug, circa 1929
Francis Bacon, Wool Rug, circa 1929

Francis Bacon-inspired pieces bring an unexpected solace, diving deeper into the renowned artist’s work, experimenting with a rich and textural palette.



Bacon, whose coveted rugs were described as the "finest modernist carpets in existence" was a maverick who found critical success in the mid-1940s, and is now recognised as one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. Bacon’s rugs, which escaped his culling of works he created before he became a painter, have been an unexpected inspiration throughout Deadly Ponies’ winter collection.

“I liked the idea of drawing inspiration from these colourful, textured rugs, experimenting with vibrant hues and unusual tactile materials."

Liam Bowden, Deadly Ponies’ Creative Director.

Mr Cinch Mini Plum Suede
Mr Cinch Mini Plum Suede
Mr Mini Leopard Plum
Mr Mini Leopard Plum
“Sometimes it is better to simply allow the material to shine, and our feathery soft-suede achieves just that - it brings a natural undulation to every product it touches - making Mr Cinch Suede in plum my pick of the season.”

New season colourway, plum, is available in both suede and pebble grain leather, while Deadly Ponies’ sell-out silhouette Mr Maximese returns, his spectacular slouchy form graced by a deep, luxurious hue, Lilypad.

Mr Mini Leopard Black
Mr Mini Leopard Black
Mr Minimese Lilypad
Mr Minimese Lilypad
Mr Cinch Mini Lilypad
Mr Cinch Mini Lilypad
Pocuheroo Candy Apple
Pocuheroo Candy Apple

As a seasonal surprise, fresh candy apple emerges from the frosty ground in the smallest of leather pieces.

Winter 23

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Shop All

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THE NEWCOMER & THE ICON

Collection

Rolling into town, in a cloud of (magic) dust, it’s The Desert Rider.

Rolling into town, in a cloud of (magic) dust, it’s The Desert Rider, his polished steel hardware and branded domes glinting against sumptuous suede with tencel lining.

A timeless design with a shirt-style collar, Desert Rider debuts as a Deadly Ponies exclusive, his soft suede and warm hue inspired by the iconic rugs of Francis Bacon. Putting the handsome in handcrafted, indeed.

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This season, the Pony Rider features a luxurious Bulle leather finish, the exceptional texture putting an understated twist on the classic biker jacket. With tencel lining and titanium-toned hardware, a zip closure, domed coin pocket, and an internal pocket for safekeeping, every aspect of our coveted Pony Rider has been considered.

So… consider him your new partner.

SHOP NOW

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REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

Materials

In our continual mission to be more circular and achieve our zero-waste goal, our Recycle Programme initiative is aimed at taking total ownership of our products for their entire lifecycle.

Deadly Ponies aims to be zero-waste certified by the end of FY24. In our continual mission to be more circular and achieve our zero-waste goal, our Recycle Programme initiative is aimed at taking total ownership of our products for their entire lifecycle.

Deadly Ponies began with our Creative Director, Liam Bowden, taking scraps from tannery off-cuts to create his very first designs, an ethos ingrained in our practices today. Our ongoing Recycle Programme - a poetic nod to our early days, draws on that inspiration to form a collection of coveted, recycled pieces. 

With an existing focus on repairing our bags to extend their lifecycle, we know there comes a time when they are ready for their next journey. For bags that have lived a full life, we want to repurpose them - to enjoy and love for years to come, rather than being sent to landfill. 

Deadly Ponies’ ethically sourced, high-quality leathers are tanned without harmful chemicals, and our hardware is 100% recyclable brass, meaning that our leather can be refurbished, and our brass melted down to form new products.

As part of our Recycle Programme, we also use our factories' leather offcuts to close the loop on any excess waste in the production process. As a reward for being part of this journey and recycling your Deadly Ponies bags with us, you will receive a $50 voucher to use towards your next purchase. We will accept an amnesty on all preloved Deadly Ponies products, however, they must be in a usable condition and only bags qualify for a gift voucher.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

STEP ONE - RECYCLE: You can recycle your pre-loved bag via our in-store amnesty or online by contacting our support team here, filling out your details, and specifying that it is a ‘Recycle Return’, our team will then get in touch to confirm the next steps for your Deadly Ponies bag. 

STEP TWO - REDEEM: Once your Recycle Return has been processed you will receive a $50 gift voucher that can be redeemed in-store or used online towards your next purchase.  

STEP THREE - RE-ISSUE: Your Recycle Return will be used for our annual recycle collection - exclusive to Deadly Ponies, curated with local artisans, and handcrafted at our atelier. Keep an eye out

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

Using quality materials has always been essential to us. Brass hardware, for example, is one of the few metals that can be melted down and reused again and again without compromising its composition - all while utilising one of the most energy-efficient methods to do so. Our ethically sourced, high-quality leathers are tanned without harmful chemicals, meaning that they can be refurbished, cut and stitched to form new products easily by our makers. 

And that’s what this project is really about, celebrating not only the leather and the history of the products that we’ve made but also the craftsmanship of our atelier in reducing our environmental impact

HOW DOES IT WORK?

How do I drop off my bag in-store? 

Bring your pre-loved Deadly Ponies items to any of our Deadly Ponies stores and drop them into our amnesty bag. Our team will then take your details to join the initiative and issue your $50 Deadly Ponies gift card in exchange. Please note, we will not accept donations through our stockists at this stage. 

How do I send back my bag online? 

Head to our contact page, and fill out your details, specifying that it is a ‘Recycle Return’ in the message field. Our team will then be in contact with you to coordinate the return and to receive your $50 Deadly Ponies gift card. Please note at this stage you will be responsible for the return of the item, and tracking the parcel. 

WHAT CAN I RECYCLE?

You can donate any Deadly Ponies goods, including scarves, wallets and belts. Bag donations will receive a $50 Deadly Ponies gift card, redeemable online or at Deadly Ponies’ stores. What happens if my item isn’t accepted? We will accept all scarves, wallets and bags in reasonable condition. Any goods that we cannot use as part of the collection will be donated to our chosen charity partner.When can I use my gift card? If you donate in-store, you will receive a physical gift card immediately, redeemable in any Deadly Ponies store or online, valid for 12 months from the date of issue. If you return your item online, once we have received the product, you will receive a digital gift card for your bag via email, redeemable online or in Deadly Ponies’ stores. 

RECYCLE COLLECTION

Our highly-coveted, annual Recycle Collection repurposes vibrant leather off-cuts into delightful keepsakes and accessories.

SHOP RECYCLE
SHOP RECYCLE

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SPRING ‘23 | The new beginning

Collection

Spring ‘23 explores the works of renowned artist Tracy Emin experimenting with anarchic energy.

Long trusted to deliver the fine balance between classic craftsmanship and creativity, our Spring '23 collection signals a bold new direction. Our most significant design overhaul in more than a decade, Carousel, has been injected with anarchic energy courtesy of inspiration from British art world ‘bad girl’ Tracey Emin.

The Carousel collection wows in new seasonal hues drawn from scrawled neon text and paint splatters. Strap in for a thrilling ride; reinvented classics with a multitude of design improvements and a new industrial update for our signature brass hardware.

Emin, a British artist known for her autobiographical and confessional artwork, has fascinated audiences with her drawing, painting, sculpture, film, photography, neon text, and sewn appliqué. It’s this innocence that has driven Deadly Ponies Founder and Creative Director, Liam Bowden, to combine echoes of Emin’s works with the energy of heady nights at the fairground, and endless days at a holiday beach.

“I was first introduced to (Emin) at Tate Modern in London, and have since then been drawn to her gritty, thought-provoking artistic works. I love the contrast of the confessional pieces, paired with very playful materials with an innocent undertone. Her approach gave us the perfect palette to work from,” says Bowden.

Spring ‘23 hues bring together ivy, rockpool, nougat, and our signature python-print in jellybean with ridges of flavourful lime. New silhouettes include Mr Ferris Midi, a medium shoulder bag with a zip closure, two debuting Bellboys, Mr Bellboy Midi, a mini portrait-style tote, and Mr Bellboy Mini, a compact crossbody bag.
Paying tribute to our own heritage, we introduce a new satin finish on our recyclable solid-brass hardware. The update is a return to classic Deadly Ponies chain detailing, with a nod to our ship-yard history.
Immersed in a playful palette across all unique and considered designs; Deadly Ponies is changing the game. Spring '23 is available online, and in-store now.

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BACK TO THE BEGINNING

Paying tribute to our heritage, Deadly Ponies’ Spring ‘23 collection introduces a new satin finish to our recyclable solid-brass hardware. This hardware update is a return to classic Deadly Ponies cable chain detailing, a nod to our iconic shipyard history.

To celebrate the launch of our new hardware, we sat down with Deadly Ponies' Founder & Creative Director, Liam Bowden, to discuss why we choose brass, and the inspiration behind the satin finish detailing.

Tell us the story behind the update to Deadly Ponies’ hardware for the SS23 collection?

Deadly Ponies' original hardware was inspired by our location and surroundings. We used to have a workroom down in Wynyard Quarter, which is the shipping area in Auckland. We were surrounded by fishing boats and large cable chains that linked these boats to the docks. The chain links also acted like walls between the land and sea, and we knew we wanted to incorporate this into our handbag designs.

Tell us more about this hardware…


When looking back through our Deadly Ponies’ archives, our original brass chain had a satin finish which spoke to the natural material of brass, rather than its gold hue. When updating our brass hardware for Spring ‘23, we wanted to replicate this look, feel, and texture, going for a champagne hue and a brushed look. This satin finish speaks to our history, a nod to where Deadly Ponies has come from.

How do you achieve this look for the hardware?

We achieve the satin look by taking the original raw brass, casting it into a chain, and then brushing it to emulate years of wear. This brushing gives the metal chain a bespoke finish.

Why do you work with brass?

We work with brass because it is one of the few metals that can be continuously melted down, reused, and recycled. Brass is extremely strong and durable due to its shipping and equestrian roots. It can be exposed to elements such as salt water, and won’t erode or become any weaker. For the same reasons we use leather, brass can age and get better with wear.

What other types of hardware do you offer?

We now also offer our gunmetal hardware - a black and grey tone on a 100% brass base, which means it can still be completely recycled. We developed this hardware for our unisex Voyage collection, offering our customers a subtle change that pairs nicely with colours such as navy and black.

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INTRODUCING FUTON

COLLECTION

Spring makes a soft landing with new silhouettes Futon Mini & Futon Midi.

From the rumpled sheets and puffed pillows of Tracey Emin’s My Bed, 1998, comes the inspiration for ‘Inflatables’, Deadly Ponies’ exciting second instalment of Spring Summer ‘23.

Debuting styles, Futon Midi & Futon Mini, feature soft, quilted duvet-like panels, showcasing their cushioned contours.

Handcrafted from buttery Lamb Nappa, these works of art are available in new seasonal hues, moonstone, sour apple, rockpool & black.

Deadly Ponies Inflatables… a damn good reason to stay in bed.

SHOP FUTON

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PONIES IN THE WILD

CULTURE

Spring Summer '23 as seen on friends of Deadly Ponies at NZFW.

@chloechill
@chloechill
@caitlinwiig
@phoebelouiseholden
@phoebelouiseholden

@asainbellahadid
@asainbellahadid
@rosie.herdman
@rosie.herdman

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spring ‘23
LOOKBOOK

collection

Injected with anarchic energy courtesy of British art world ‘bad girl’ Tracey Emin, seasonal hues echo her scrawled neon text and paint splatters.

Mr Futon Midi
Mr Futon Midi
Mr Sling Micro
Mr Sling Micro
Mr Futon Mini
Mr Futon Mini
Mr Futon Mini
Mr Futon Mini
Mr Futon Mini
Mr Futon Mini
Mr Minimese
Mr Minimese

Mr Siamese
Mr Siamese
Mr Ferris Midi
Mr Ferris Midi
Mr Cinch Mini
Mr Cinch Mini
Mr Sling Mini
Mr Sling Mini
Mr Cinch Mini
Mr Cinch Mini
Mr Futon Midi
Mr Futon Midi

Mr Futon Mini
Mr Futon Mini
Mr Porter Tote
Mr Porter Tote

Preview

spring ‘23
LOOKBOOK

COLLECTION

Injected with anarchic energy courtesy of British art world ‘bad girl’ Tracey Emin, seasonal hues echo her scrawled neon text and paint splatters.

Mr Cinch Mini
Mr Cinch Mini
Mr Bellboy
Mr Bellboy
Mr Sling Micro
Mr Sling Micro
Mr Sling Micro
Mr Sling Micro

Mr D-Rex
Mr D-Rex
Brutus Slide
Brutus Slide
Mr Cinch Mini
Mr Cinch Mini
Mr Minimese
Mr Minimese